Henry Steele Commager
Henry Steele Commager
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Full Name and Common Aliases
Henry Steele Commager was a renowned American historian, editor, and writer. His full name is often used in scholarly contexts, while his pen name, H. S. Commager, appeared on many of his publications.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on November 30, 1902, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Henry Steele Commager passed away on March 14, 1998, at the age of 95.
Nationality and Profession(s)
As a proud American citizen, Commager dedicated his career to studying and sharing the country's rich history. His professional life spanned multiple fields: historian, editor, writer, and educator.
Early Life and Background
Commager's early years were marked by a strong interest in literature and history. He graduated from Pittsburgh's Western Reserve University (now part of Case Western Reserve University) in 1923 and went on to earn his Ph.D. in History from the University of Chicago in 1934. During this period, he developed a passion for progressive politics and social justice.
Major Accomplishments
Commager's achievements are numerous and significant. He was one of the most influential historians of the 20th century, known for his work on American history, particularly during the colonial and Revolutionary periods. His publications included _The Blue and the Gray_ (1950), _Documents of American History_ (1943-1975), and _Truman and World Politics_ (1957). Commager's writings often explored the complexities of American society, politics, and culture.
Notable Works or Actions
Commager was a prolific writer and editor. He co-edited several influential publications, including the 10-volume _Documents of American History_ series with Milton Cooper. His most notable work, however, remains his comprehensive textbook, _The Blue and the Gray_, which won the Pulitzer Prize in 1951.
Impact and Legacy
Henry Steele Commager's contributions to American history have had a lasting impact on scholarship and popular culture alike. As a historian and educator, he inspired generations of students and scholars with his passion for understanding America's complex past. His commitment to critical thinking and social responsibility has influenced the way historians approach their craft.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Henry Steele Commager is widely quoted and remembered for several reasons:
He was a leading voice in progressive American history, emphasizing the importance of social justice and intellectual freedom.
His writings and editorials often addressed contemporary issues, making him a respected commentator on current events.
As an educator and historian, he encouraged critical thinking and nuanced understanding of complex historical topics.
His commitment to intellectual honesty and objectivity set a high standard for historians.
In conclusion, Henry Steele Commager was a remarkable individual who left an indelible mark on American history. Through his writings, editorials, and educational endeavors, he continues to inspire new generations of scholars, writers, and thinkers.
Quotes by Henry Steele Commager
It's awfully hard to be the son of a great man and also of a half-crazy woman.
We should not be surprised that the Founding Fathers didn’t foresee everything, when we see that the current Fathers hardly ever foresee anything.
The English love for privacy is proverbial, and has not been exaggerated. A stranger who strikes up a conversation is looked upon with suspicion – unless he happens to be an American, when his ignorance of good manners is indulged.
And we wonder what can be that ‘philosophy of education’ which believes that young people can be trained to the duties of citizenship by wrapping their minds in cotton wool.
Education is essential to change, for education creates both new wants and the ability to satisfy them.
A free society cherishes nonconformity. It knows from the non-conformist, from the eccentric, have come many of the great ideas.
The Bill of Rights was not written to protect governments from trouble. It was written precisely to give the people the constitutional means to cause trouble for governments they no longer trusted.
Change does not necessarily assure progress, but progress implacably requires change.
The English love for privacy is proverbial, and has not been exaggerated. A stranger who strikes up a conversation is looked upon with suspicion - unless he happens to be an American, when his ignorance of good manners is indulged.